LSP: One dead in three-car crash on North Shore

Louisiana State Police are investigating a three-car crash that claimed the life of one man. The incident occurred Monday on Interstate 10 west bound near Old Spanish Trail in Slidell. The deceased individual has been identified as 26-year-old Steven Fernandez of Bergenfield, New Jersey.

Police say that 66-year-old Milton Frank of Lacombe was driving an SUV east on I-10 in heavy rain, when for reasons that are still under investigation, he lost control of his vehicle. The SUV crossed the median and entered the westbound lanes where it collided head-on with a car, driven by Fernandez. After hitting Fernandez's car, the SUV was struck by a car driven by 24-year-old Irvin Darensbourg of New Orleans. Following the collisions, the three vehicles came to rest in the west bound lanes of the interstate.

According to police, Fernandez was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, but suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office. Both the front seat passenger in Fernandez's car, identified as 26-year-old Danielle Carballeira of Staten Island, New York, and Frank were also wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. Both suffered moderate injuries and were transported to University Medical Center for treatment.

Investigators believe that impairment did not play a role in the crash. Darensbourg provided a breath sample to police, which showed no signs of alcohol in his system. Blood samples were taken from Frank and Fernandez and will be tested at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

The investigation into the incident continues. Police say that any criminal charges will be referred to the St. Tammany District Attorney's Office pending the outcome of the investigation.